The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, bringing new characters and familiar faces to the screen. Like its predecessor, Season 2 will feature key figures from the video game, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and introduce new characters such as Catherine O'Hara's Gail. This guide is designed to prepare you for the next chapter of Joel and Ellie's journey through the harrowing post-apocalyptic world.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?
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New Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
One of the most anticipated announcements for Season 2 was the casting of Abby, and HBO revealed that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will bring this complex character to life. Abby is a pivotal figure in The Last of Us Part 2, a skilled soldier with the Fireflies whose black-and-white worldview is challenged as she seeks vengeance. "Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material," stated co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. "Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and the rest of our family."
Who Voiced Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Laura Bailey
Young Mazino as Jesse
Young Mazino, celebrated for his role in Beef, will portray Jesse, a pillar of the Jackson community who prioritizes others' needs, often at a personal cost. Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse is a leader of the patrol groups and a close friend of Ellie, as well as her ex-boyfriend, Dina. "Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him," said Mazin and Druckmann. "We’re so lucky to have him, and we can’t wait for the audience to see Young shine in our show."
Who Voiced Jesse in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Stephen Chang
Isabella Merced as Dina
Isabella Merced, recognized from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will play Dina, a key member of the Jackson community and Ellie's partner. Dina's relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving and deepening throughout the game. "Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable," said Mazin and Druckmann. "You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away."
Who Voiced Dina in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Shannon Woodward
Catherine O'Hara as Gail
Catherine O'Hara's Gail is a fresh addition to the series, shrouded in mystery. She appears to serve as Joel's therapist, aiding him in dealing with the aftermath of his decision in Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Jeffrey Wright, known for his roles in Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, from The Last of Us Part 2. His character is crucial to the game's narrative and is expected to play a similar role in the series.
Who Voiced Isaac in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Wright
Danny Ramirez as Manny
Danny Ramirez, seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will portray Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Manny is a loyal soldier and friend of Abby, described by HBO as having "a sunny outlook that belies the pain of old wounds and a fear that he will fail his friends when they need him most."
Who Voiced Manny in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Alejandro Edda
Ariela Barer as Mel
Ariela Barer, from Runaways, will take on the role of Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. She is a friend of Abby and in a relationship with Owen. HBO describes Mel as "a young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism."
Who Voiced Mel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashly Burch
Tati Gabrielle as Nora
Tati Gabrielle, known from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former medic. HBO describes her as "a military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past."
Who Voiced Nora in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Chelsea Tavares
Spencer Lord as Owen
Spencer Lord, who has appeared in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will portray Owen, a former Firefly and current soldier in the WLF. He is dating Mel but was previously involved with Abby. HBO describes him as "a gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate."
Who Voiced Owen in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Patrick Fugit
Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, Robert John Burke as Seth, and Noah Lamanna as Kat
HBO recently announced six more actors joining The Last of Us Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna. Pantoliano will play Eugene, a character from the game who will have a more significant role in the series. "I get excited when I see these opportunities," said showrunner Neil Druckmann. "I’m like, ‘Oh, I don’t know Eugene that well!’ The story we told [in the game] was somewhat superficial. The way this character comes in really gets to the heart of Joel and Ellie and their relationship."
Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner from The Last of Us Part 2, and Lamanna will play Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.
Image Credits: John Pantoliano (Theo Wargo/Getty Images), Robert John Burke (Jim Spellman/FilmMagic), and Noah Lemanna (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO)
Alanna Ubach as Hanrahan, Ben Ahlers as Burton, and Hettienne Park as Elise Park
Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park will join the cast as new characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively.
Image Credits: Alanna Ubach (Monica Schipper/Getty Images), Ben Ahlers (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO), Hettienne Park (Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images)
Returning Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2
Pedro Pascal as Joel
Pedro Pascal will return as Joel, last seen after his rampage against the Fireflies to save Ellie. Despite Marlene's explanation that Ellie's procedure could lead to a cure but would kill her, Joel chose to save Ellie and lied about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey will reprise her role as Ellie, who was last seen being deceived by Joel about the Fireflies' intentions. Unconscious during the hospital rescue, Ellie's reaction to Joel's lie remains a focal point for Season 2.
Who Voiced Bella in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashley Johnson
Gabriel Luna as Tommy
Gabriel Luna will return as Tommy, Joel's brother and a significant character in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria, Tommy offered Joel and Ellie a home there.
Who Voiced Tommy in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Pierce
Rutina Wesley as Maria
Rutina Wesley will return as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her last interaction with Ellie involved a warning about trust.
Will Marlene or Tess Appear in Season 2 of The Last of Us?
Merle Dandridge as Marlene
Merle Dandridge's Marlene, killed by Joel in Season 1, may appear in flashbacks as she did in The Last of Us Part 2.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, sacrificed herself after being bitten. While she didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could be used to explore her past with Joel.
Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?
It seems unlikely. The episode focusing on Bill and Frank, played by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, was highly praised, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. "Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett take on leading role duties with elegance, leaving an unmistakably beautiful mark on the show," wrote Simon Cardy. Despite ideas for a potential spin-off, co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed there won't be more Bill and Frank, stating, "We are very happy with what we achieved."
For more insights, explore our breakdown of The Last of Us Season 1's ending, our predictions for Season 2, and the creators' perspectives on Joel's decision to save Ellie.
Note: This story was updated on April 8, 2025, to include Catherine O'Hara (Gail) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).
